Professional Review

Harris, Violet J. "Using Multi Ethnic Literature in the K-8 Classroom." Children's Literature Depicting Blacks. Norwood MA: Christopher-Gordan Inc, 1997. 21-58.

When reading this chapter about children's literature depicting blacks, I saw that beauty has a thematic emphasis in African American literature.

"Some authors make explicit comments. Others omit
specific references but the illustrations convey a sense of beauty not based on stereotypic, European Standards such as the blue-eyed blonde with long, flowing tresses, and thin lips and nose" (Harris, 37).

This passage goes on to say that African American's have their own stereotypes that revolve around the pigment of their skin and the way their hair is. Many authors depict these stereotypes in their writing, some even write their entire books based on these themes.

I saw this firsthand in two of my four books. In both Jazmin's Notebook and The Skin I'm In, the main characters were ridiculed for their skin being "too black". The characters who had lighter skin, and more European features were considered to be the beautiful ones. Out of the two, The Skin I'm In, focused most of its attention toward these stereotypes of beauty and a lot of Maleeka's character was formed from this stereotype.

Another point that stood out to me in the article was.

"Growing up black also means learning that you may experience rejection because of your color, circumscribed mobility, racially motivated violence, and segregation" (Harris, 46).

I saw reference to these in most of my books, but the most prevalent example of this was in The Skin I'm In. I think that the main character Maleeka sets herself up to fail, because of a fear of rejection based on her race. Even though Maleeka has the grades to go to a private school out of her neighborhood, she refuses because she does not think she belongs there because of her color. Instead of giving her interview, she intentionally messes it up and then allows all of her grades to fall to the point of failing. I feel that this learned rejection that she possesses is not a good thing because it is holding her back from something that could be a great opportunity. It could also be something that is holding back many people with potential in this world.